The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken an important step in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) by introducing Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) specific to the operating requirements of manned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, to ensure the safety and harmonization of manned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft operations in Europe.
This new regulatory material aims to facilitate the safe implementation of manned VTOL/VCA operations and encourage the acceptance and adoption of these innovative technologies by EU citizens. Its objectives include ensuring the safety of VCA operations within the air traffic management (ATM) environment, supporting innovation, providing guidance to competent authorities, manufacturers, and operators, and facilitating the early adoption of IAM technologies. Therefore, the new AMC and GM are crucial for VCA operators and manufacturers, competent authorities, flight crews, and the general public, facilitating the safe and efficient integration of VCA into the European aviation system.
The new acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance material (GM) address key operational aspects in various aviation regulatory areas:
- Air Operations (Air OPS): Amendments have been made to the AMC and GM of Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012 and its Annexes II (Part-ARO), III (Part-ORO), and V (Part-SPA), along with a new Annex IX (Part-IAM) specific to VCA operations. The guidance emphasizes pre-flight preparation, the availability of landing points (vertiports, diversion points), and fuel/energy management.
- Flight Crew Licensing (FCL): The AMC was developed for Article 4f of Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011, providing guidance on VCA type rating training courses. This includes adaptations for innovative aircraft designs and a broader focus on theoretical knowledge, referring to various aircraft categories.
- European Regulations for the Air (SERA): The term "fuel/power" has been introduced to encompass the various energy sources used for aircraft propulsion, including electrical energy stored in batteries. In addition, a few GMs have been adapted to ensure the safety of VCA operations in the ATM environment.
The AMC and GM of Regulation (EU) 2024/1111 on IAM were published with EASA Executive Director Decisions 2025/010/R, 2025/011/R, and 2025/012/R, and were developed within the framework of Rulemaking Task (RMT) 0230, Subtask C#3.
This progress continues to build the future use of VTOLs, fully integrated into airspace and offering services to society.
https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/news/easa-steps-regulatory-framework-innovative-air-mobility
